The Winter King by C.L. Wilson Published July 29th 2014 by Avon Genres: High Fantasy, Magic, Romance, ParanormalPage: 595Rating: 5 of 5 starsReview by: Tina

Synopsis

After three long years of war, starkly handsome Wynter Atrialan will have his vengeance on Summerlea's king by taking one of the man's beautiful, beloved daughters, known as "Seasons" as his bride. But though peace is finally at hand, Wynter's battle with the Ice Heart, the dread power he embraced to avenge his brother's death, rages on.Khamsin Coruscate, Princess of Summerlea and summoner of Storms, has spent her life exiled to the shadows of her father's palace. Reviled by her father, marriage to Wintercraig's icy king was supposed to be a terrible punishment, but instead offers Kham her first taste of freedom. But the power of the Ice Heart is growing, dangerous forces are gathering, and a devastating betrayal puts Khamsin and Wynter to the ultimate test.

Thoughts

Wow wow wow..this book is such a gem. I'm not sure what I was expecting when I picked it up. I was looking for an epic fantasy story with an epic romance. I wasn't prepared for how engrossing this little gem turned out to be.

Review

Neglected and unloved by her father, Khamsin grew up isolated and hidden from the world. Her father viewed her as an abomination. She is one of the most powerful Weathermage of her royal family line, the temperous Storm.Fantastic world building. Contains elements of heroism and monstrous foes from frost giants to battling the Ice King. The action doesn't stop here. The girl then turns into the hero she grew up reading and fantasizing from her childhood.This book completely took me by surprise. It was so enthralling and it exuded Tamora Pierce feel; whoa call me impressed. Definite recommend.

Reality is often not what you perceive it to be. Alex fights a daily battle to figure out the difference between reality and hallucination. Alone, she wages a war against her schizophrenia, determined to stay sane long enough to get into college. Then she has her freedom, away from the watchful eyes of her parents, away from the judging looks of her classmates.

Thoughts

"Real or not real?"

I've said this in Eliza and Her Monsters and I'll say this again, watch out for Francesca Zappia. She writes compelling realistic stories! Her YA contemporary romances are phenomenal. Especially the heart felt mental illness issues.

Review

Alexandra is diagnosed for paranoia and schizophrenia after an incident that happened when she was 7 years old that her mother believed to be made up. She goes through daily routines from checking her surroundings to taking photos to examine later, constantly questioning her visual and audio hallucinations. Her reality begins to bleed into her hallucinations when she meets her childhood friend on the first day of senior year. I love Alex meeting Miles. Two unlikely anti-social outcasts finding friendship, understanding, and love. They are so perfect for one another. And both equally flawed. I also love the squad. Charming, loyal, reliable, and funny. They make a great team for these highly functioning introverts. This story is unbelievably pure. I've never read anything this complex. I thought with all the modern medicine has to offer, Alex would be able to seek help and relief. But her reality is so blurred and she shatters each time she discovers what she think is real isn't. It has me questioning what are the truths in her life.This story also throws me for a loop. Each time I think I know what's about to happen, it goes another way. Moments of joy mixed with incredulous scenes. And times when I expect a happier moment, the rug is pulled out under me. Brilliant writing. Always a joy picking up Francesca Zappia's book.

Monday, December 4, 2017

The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli Published October 3rd 2017 by HarperTeenGenres: Young Adult, Fantasy, DragonsPage: 432Rating: 5 of 5 starsReview by: Tina

Synopsis

These are the legends that Asha, daughter of the king of Firgaard, has grown up learning in hushed whispers, drawn to the forbidden figures of the past. But it isn’t until she becomes the fiercest, most feared dragon slayer in the land that she takes on the role of the next Iskari—a lonely destiny that leaves her feeling more like a weapon than a girl.

Asha conquers each dragon and brings its head to the king, but no kill can free her from the shackles that await at home: her betrothal to the cruel commandant, a man who holds the truth about her nature in his palm. When she’s offered the chance to gain her freedom in exchange for the life of the most powerful dragon in Firgaard, she finds that there may be more truth to the ancient stories than she ever could have expected. With the help of a secret friend—a slave boy from her betrothed’s household—Asha must shed the layers of her Iskari bondage and open her heart to love, light, and a truth that has been kept from her.

Summary

The legend of Namsara and Iskari goes like this, "In the beginning, the Old One was lonely. He made two companions for himself, Namsara was good and full of laughter, Iskari was destruction and death. Iskari hated her nature and wanted the Old One to change her but he refused, there needs to be a balance in the world, he said. Iskari hated her brother for being beloved and hated the Old One for making her full of bloodlust. She wandered the desert alone and lost. Namasara searched for her in the desert and the sky changed seven times before he found her body in the sand. At the sight of her, dead, Namsara fell to his knees and wept."

Review

All her life, Asha struggles between her Iskari nature and the good Namsara. She grows up believing she is the evil one, feared and hated by her people. This story is about her journey and the discovery of what happened to her and her family in the past.

This story is so beautiful and carefully constructed. The plans that come together are breathtaking. I find myself liking dragons when I never have before. I want to hear more of their voices, more of their stories. Sigh... Asha and Torwin are so genuinely good. His gentle nature and kindness slays me. I'm so happy that Asha is a strong independent woman who takes control of her destiny and breaks down barriers. She wasn't as alone in her journey as she thinks and I'm so glad she has people who love and care about her. I'm intrigued by the next journey she takes.

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Welcome! Tangled ‘N’ Books blog was created in September 2015 by
three friends, Wendy, Tina and Shon.
After spending many months checking out other book blogs and vlogs we
decided it was time that we created our own.